You Are God’s Building

The Catholic Church observes the dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran as a feast day because it is the Pope's cathedral, the "mother and head of all churches in the world," and a symbol of the unity of the universal Church. Its significance as the first legalized Christian church in history makes it a focal point for celebrating the unity and heritage of the entire Catholic faith.

In Sunday’s first reading (Ez 47:1-2,8-9,12) Ezekiel describes a vision of a temple as the source of life. Water flows from the threshold of the temple and from various other directions. In Mesopotamian iconography, rivers flow out from beneath thrones or out of jars held by deities.

Enki

Biblical literature contains many examples of this trope, such as the springs that will arise in the desert as the exiles return to Israel (Is 41: 17-20).  Jesus portrays himself as a temple (Jn 2:19) as well as the source of living water (Jn 4:14).

In the second reading (1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17) Paul likens himself to a skilled builder who has laid the foundation for the building. The building is in fact, the community.  The community is God’s temple in which the Spirit dwells.  “You are,” he writes God’s building.”

This week we also have the gospel story (Jn 2:13-22) of Jesus cleansing the temple. While the temple activity is legitimate it is unseemly as the temple is his Father’s house.  Jesus then moves from referring to the temple as a structure to a metaphor for his own body.

1.Do you think of your body, your home, your relationships, or your daily routines as a kind of “temple” where God dwells?  How might you become more aware of your ability to meet God in one of these spaces?

2. Paul talks about being a skilled builder who lays a foundation.  Name two foundational elements that are the bedrock of your own faith experience.

3.The Gospel recounts Jesus cleansing the temple.  Are there aspects of your own spiritual life in need of renewal?